What does the term "short-range defense" refer to?

The term "short-range defense" specifically refers to defensive systems designed to protect assets against immediate or nearby threats. This involves systems that focus on engagements with projectiles, missiles, or other threats that could impact a platform in a short period of time or within a limited range. These systems are crucial for safeguarding vessels and installations from attacks that are too close for long-range systems to effectively engage.

Short-range defense typically encompasses various technologies, including point-defense systems, close-in weapon systems (CIWS), and other defensive measures that operate at lower altitude and shorter distances. Their primary function is to intercept and neutralize threats before they can cause harm to critical infrastructure or personnel.

In contrast, the other options correlate with different concepts within military strategy and systems. Long-range missile strategies and radar technologies primarily deal with threats and detection over extended distances, while offensive capabilities for ship-to-ship combat emphasize offensive action rather than immediate defense against nearby threats. Thus, option B accurately captures the essence of short-range defense.